Plants, Flowers, and Fragrance
- Brainz Magazine
- May 14
- 5 min read
Written by Joanne Louise Bray, Founder
Joanne Bray is the proud founder of Plantlife Joy. Her journey began with a deep love of nature and the belief that plants have the power to bring happiness, tranquility, and a touch of magic to our lives. Plantlife Joy specialises in plant knowledge, and our mission is to connect people back to the beauty of the natural world.
The scent of a flower has the power to transport us back to a childhood memory, into a mythical past, or even across centuries of human history. From the fragrant offerings of the ancient Egyptians to Renaissance-era luxury and modern-day aromatherapy, plants and their perfumes have woven themselves into every culture. But fragrance is more than just a sensory delight, it carries meaning, tradition, and even practical uses that have shaped the way we interact with nature.
Fragrance from plants and flowers has deep roots in human history. Early civilizations, such as the Egyptians, were among the first to master perfumery, extracting oils not just from flowers, but also from herbs and woods. These scents played a vital role in religious ceremonies, medicine, and grooming routines.
Flowers like roses, jasmine, and lilies have been beloved for centuries. As a child, I was fascinated by fragrance, so much so that I often made my own rose water, much to my grandad’s dismay. His treasured rose garden became my secret laboratory, where I plucked petals and sealed them away to create my "perfume." I always asked permission, and he always said no. But my grandma, ever the accomplice, always said yes. They lived together but never spoke, no matter how hard I tried to get them to kiss and make up.
Fragrance in history
During the Greek and Roman period, violets and roses were deeply tied to the Goddesses. Violets were connected to Persephone, daughter of Zeus and Demeter, who represented the changing seasons and nature’s renewal in Spring. Myth tells us she was out gathering flowers when Hades, God of the Underworld, kidnapped her, a rather rude and traumatic event, as many goddesses in mythology seemed to endure. Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty, was linked to roses, said to have formed from her tears and the blood of her beloved Adonis. Similarly, Venus, the Roman goddess of love and a whole lot more, was associated with roses, which were often used in bridal bouquets.
By the Middle Ages, fragrant plants were used to combat odours and disease. People carried pomanders, small balls filled with scented herbs to ward off illness or dilute foul smells. In a way, this was early aromatherapy and herbalism. Although the use of herbs goes way back further than the middles ages, it’s history is fascinating.
During the Renaissance, perfume became a symbol of wealth, with Italian and French perfumers refining techniques to create luxurious blends. Increased trade with the East introduced new ingredients, and advancements in distillation made perfume more accessible.
By the 19th century, synthetic fragrances emerged, but plants remain central to perfumery today. Here are some of my top fragrant plants, you might want to make space for them in your garden or home.
Top fragrant plants
Rosa (Roses)
An obvious choice for any garden, though not all roses are fragrant so test them with your nose before purchasing. My former mother-in-law has a yellow rose with a lemon scent, it’s an absolute delight to walk over take the rose in your hand and smell it sherbet lemon scent.
Roses aren’t the easiest plants to care for, being susceptible to aphids and diseases. They require careful pruning and benefit from mulching in autumn to keep them healthy.
Orchidaceae (Orchids)
Surprising, but yes, some orchids are fragrant! We have one that emits a spiced vanilla scent when in bloom. I’m no orchid expert in all honesty I’ve killed more than I’ve kept, but the ones we have now are extra special, so I must keep them alive.
I’ve learned that silvery roots indicate when they need watering and cutting the flower stems after blooming helps promote new growth. Some people grow orchids in water alone, which I might try one day.
Hesperis matronalis (Sweet rocket)
Tall and elegant, Sweet Rocket produces masses of lilac or white flowers with a sweet scent. We grew some from seed last year, and they were incredible. After allowing them to go to seed, we harvested the seeds for future planting. They thrive in full sun, adding height and fragrance to borders.
Lavandula (Lavender)
Now, hear me out, I know lavender is sometimes associated with granny’s perfume, but it has a truly beautiful aroma. It’s also said to deter fleas, making it a useful plant for pet owners.
Lavender thrives in sunny spots and can tolerate drought, much like many Mediterranean herbs. You can grow it in pots or directly in the ground, and there are many varieties to choose from. We have a couple in the sandiest soil you did see, and they are thriving.
Mentha (Mint)
Unlike drought-loving herbs, mint prefers moisture—and it will take over your garden if planted directly into the ground so not advisable unless you are a mint lover.
Nowadays, you can find mint in so many varieties, including peppermint, chocolate, pineapple, blackcurrant, strawberry, and more, all wonderfully scented.
Mint is great for making fresh tea:
Pick the leaves throughout the growing season (this promotes new growth).
Wash them, give them a chop, and add to boiling water for a refreshing herbal infusion.
You can also use mint in cocktails; we’ve even added them to our planters and hanging baskets this year and they mix well with other plants. It’s known to help alleviate hayfever and other health benefits.
Artemisia maritima (Sea wormwood)
I call it the Coca-Cola plant, because it really does smell like cola bottle sweets. It’s a subshrub with silvery leaves, thriving in sandy soil and sunny positions. We have ours growing happily, and since it’s drought-resistant, it doesn’t need much care. Historically, it was thought to stimulate appetite.
Fragrance has always been more than a pleasant scent, it is history, personal connection and culture intertwined. Scented plants shape the way we experience the world and are included in many of our practices, wedding bouquets, ancient rituals or grown in our indoor or outdoor gardens. Their presence is a reminder that nature doesn’t just exist to be seen, it calls to be touched, smelled and appreciated for its beauty and all that it does for us and has throughout our history.
Read more from Joanne Louise Bray
Joanne Louise Bray, Founder
Joanne Bray is a leader in plant life; she has been to the darkest depths of despair with her mental health. Nurturing plants and learning all about them led to her own healing journey. She discovered the immense joy, and mindfulness that nuturing plants provides, so she began to write about them within her membership site, create courses, paint parts of nature that she fell in love with, and write books in the hope of sharing her passion, and helping others to connect back to the beauty and wonder that nature supplies. Joanne is very passionate about eradicating the use of chemicals in gardening, and so she offers solutions using plants that either attract beneficial insects or deter pests.
